Head of Programme

Ethiopia is perhaps the most critical humanitarian context in East Africa.  For decades, Ethiopia has hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries.  It has a significant and fluctuating population of climate and conflict IDPs (Internally Displaced People), it is subject to worsening cycles of climate crisis and recent conflict in critical regions in the north of the country has led to severe and complex humanitarian crisis. Ethiopia also has multiple neglected crises areas aggravating the dire situation of people in need.

To achieve the required results, NRC Ethiopia works with government, UN agencies, academia, and local institutions.  In delivering its humanitarian and recovery responses, NRC’s Ethiopia programme has built a growing reputation for developing new approaches to achieve greater impact.  Following the post freeze in operations in the second half of 2021, the Ethiopia programme is currently re-established, growing progressively in its structures and portfolio with the intention of expanding and maintaining a significant, long-term role in the country’s humanitarian response.  

We are seeking to recruit an experienced resilient, good in donor relations and leader to build the programme portfolio in arguably the most critical countries in the sector at a point in time where the shape for NRC program and strategic priorities for the next 3 years are defined. All NRC employees are expected to work in accordance with the organization’s values. To be dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are attitudes and believes that shall guide our actions and relationships.

1. Role and responsibilities

The purpose of the Head of Programme position is to assume overall responsibility for programme development and strategic vision in the country promoting learning and a cost-conscious culture as well as ensure effective and constructive communication between related functions and Area offices.

The Head of Programme has the overall responsibility to develop and ensure good partnership relations and ensure programme relevant advocacy priorities are identified and taken forward. The positions also have line management responsibility as well responsibility to manage and ensure support and capacity building related to PCM, M&E framework, integrated programming, and programme quality.

Generic responsibilities

1. Line management of the Country Programme Unit.
2. Technical supervision of Core Competency Programme Development Managers
3. Member of the Country Management Group (CMG)
4. Compliance with and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures
5. Development of Core Competency strategies, aligned to regional and global priorities and strategies
6. Development of integrated and needs-based programmes, including cash-based interventions and market-based programmes
7. Identify funding opportunities, develop funding strategies and forecasts 
8. Grants management, BPO allocations and reporting to donors, including compliance with donor standards
9. Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy

Specific responsibilities 

• Overseeing specific advances in NRC’s Innovation, Protection, Markets and Digital programming, through an increasingly localised and networked approach
• Contribute to strengthening accountability to beneficiaries through improving M&E systems, the establishment of beneficiary feedback and complaints mechanisms and improved needs assessments for evidence-based programming.
• Facilitate initiatives for integrated programme analysis and response analysis, including the integration of relevant cross-cutting issues such as protection, safe programming, and access
• Oversee Project Cycle Management (PCM), including through field support missions
• Liaise with Area managers to explore and create synergies and ensure effective and constructive communication between the CO and AOs. 
• Provide contextual programme analysis as input to the county strategy, annual and trimestral reports. 

• Manage performance and staff development of the Programme department. 

• Ensure current donor relations are well managed and explore potential new donor opportunities

• Ensure programme relevant advocacy priorities are identified and taken forward. 

• Ensure strategic programme development in the country in line with the region and global programme initiatives. 
• Contribute to expanding the use of Cash Based Programmes and increase use of technology as a way of increasing efficiency of the programmes

• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Country Director. 

1. Competencies 

Professional competencies:

• Minimum 8 years’ experience from a senior management position in a humanitarian/ recovery context

• Experience of working in complex and volatile contexts

• NRC Core competencies expertise

• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities

• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile 

• High level of communication, interpersonal, representation and negotiation skills

• Fluency in English, both written and verbal 

Context/Specific skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Knowledge of the context in Ethiopia is advantageous

• Culturally sensitive, with the ability to work within different cultural contexts 

• Proven ability to live and work in hardship duty stations, sometimes under stressful environment

• Experience in resource mobilisation and in particular working with EU donors, American donors and UN agencies

• Empowering and building trust and community mobilization

Behavioural competencies 

• Strategic thinking

• Initiating action and change

• Handling insecure environments

• Managing resources to optimize results

• Managing performance and development

• Communicating with impact and respect

• Initiating action and coping with change

How To Apply

Application procedure 

Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to send in their application letters including updated curriculum vitae with day-time telephone number and contact details of three work-related referees only through https://www.nrc.no/carreier.  Please attach photocopies of the most relevant educational certificates/testimonials and work experience documents. Applications should reach NRC latest by 01 July 2024 at 5:00 pm. 

NB: only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.

“Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply and on-the-job training will be provided!”